Entertainment law offers services such as contracts and copyrights that are particularly designed for pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. Working in the entertainment industry, you will want to safeguard your work from being exploited or plagiarized. In Maine, the intellectual property rights of artists are safeguarded by several laws that includes copyright and trademark provisions.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright is the legal right to exclusively produce a given medium, such as art, movies and writing. Others are prevented from using or reproducing your copyrighted materials without your consent. When a copyright holder gives consent for others to use the protected material, it is called a license. A copyright holder in Maine also has the exclusive privilege of selling all licenses for the price it chooses. The procedure for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued are controlled by entertainment law. Aside from protecting your property rights, getting a copyright will allow you to sell licenses to others.

What is a Trademark?

A symbol or other notable visual characteristic that people associate with a brand is a trademark. Visual cues are key in the entertainment industry to create product recognition. A trademark must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office, and it does not expire. With a trademark, a company can begin to establish brand identity.

How Can a Maine Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Lawyers in Rumford, so you may want to speak with them to find out whether you need a trademark or copyright. Also once you do apply, attorneys serve as good guides through the process of obtaining intellectual property right in Maine.